SpecialNeeds Assessment
SpecialNeeds Assessment
Childrenqualify to be referred to as being physically challenged when theyexperience hardships in reading, writing, and in mathematics (WHO,2000).Children with special needs may have impairments in vision, hearing,listening and communicating. Others could have difficulties includingphysical, mobility and motor problems. Many technological methodshave been developed in efforts of enhancing the assessment ofchildren to determine the eligibility of the children to be termed asdisabled (WHO,2000).
Neuroradiologicand Brain Imaging Technologies
Themethod is fast, and the result can be delivered within one day makingit a reliable choice. However, the method is expensive and only foundin a small number of medical centers around the globe. Further, somedeveloping countries lack this technology. Preceding technologieshave had some inconsistencies and irregular patterns in theassessment of learning disability. Nevertheless, some challenges inneuroimaging, neurophysiological and metabolic imaging methods are achallenge. No diagnostic conclusions have been obtained from usingthese techniques (Bigler,2013).
SpeechRecognition Technology
Themethod involves the use of a particular computer with a specialmicrophone, a sound card with a specified minimum capacity.Recognition technology permits the voice to act as an intermediarybetween the user and the computer (WHO,2000).The modern recognition technology has software profiles the canrecognize children’s voices. One of the advantages of recognitiontechnology is its flexibility. It is applied in the assessment ofspecial needs such as learning disabilities including dyslexia anddysgraphia. Also, there are repetitive strain injuries includingcarpal tunnel syndrome, inadequate motor skills, vision problems,physical disabilities and inadequate English language (MacArthur& Cavalier, 2004).The technology is advantageous for it’s ability to assess corereading and writing skills.
Drawbacksinclude the need to have a child be comfortable in evaluation withspeech-to-text. The computer must be configured to recognize theirvoice as well as getting used to new ways of writing, comprehendingdifferences in both speaking and writing while at the same timecorrecting mistakes in text (MacArthur& Cavalier, 2004).
ComputerBased Tests
Thetechnology has transformed the classroom room based quizzes and testsinto computer based models. Assessment based on the computer testsproduce detailed score analyses, and results are instant (Geary,Hamson & Hoard, 2000).The technology can be used online where children miles away can beassessed. The technology is ineffective since children must learn theuse of computers (Geary,Hamson & Hoard, 2000).
Neuroradiologicand Brain Imaging Technologies
Neuroradiologicand brain imaging techniques is a common method currently used forassessment (Bigler,2013).It has improved the assessment of learning disability in an attemptto enhance the diagnostic accuracy and reveal the neurobiologicalcauses of learning incapacities. Magnetic resonance imaging hasimproved the specificity in the determination of brain disorders(Bigler,2013).The method allows for determination of cause of the problem enablingexperts to identify correct measures to take concerning the problem.Accompanied by the approach is electrophysiological (EEG) andmetabolic imaging techniques that offer tactics to determine theactivity of human brain especially during the cognitive process(Bigler,2013).The technique is the most appropriate for the benefits that itconfers.
References
Bigler,E. D. (Ed.). (2013). NeuroimagingI: Basic Science.Springer Science & Business Media.
Geary,D. C., Hamson, C. O., & Hoard, M. K. (2000). Numerical andarithmetical cognition: A longitudinal study of process and conceptdeficits in children with learning disability. Journalof experimental child psychology,77(3),236-263.
MacArthur,C. A., & Cavalier, A. R. (2004). Dictation and speech recognitiontechnology as test accommodations. ExceptionalChildren,71(1),43-58.
WorldHealth Organization. (2000). World Health Organization disabiltyassessment schedule: WHODAS II. Phase 2 field trials. Health servicesresearch.